Széchenyi István University is launching a much-needed Master’s programme in Health Psychology in Western Hungary starting this February in a correspondence format, designed to address the region's demand in this field. The two-year programme, offered by the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, will commence in Hungarian in the spring semester, while an English-taught, full-time version will be available for international students from the autumn semester onward.

Széchenyi István University aims to contribute to the well-being of society by providing a supply of highly qualified professionals and supporting the regional economy. Therefore, the University has undertaken a number of health-related developments in recent years: recently the first building of its MedTech Health Technology Campus was inaugurated, serving the region, thus continuing the diversification of its health sciences portfolio.

From the spring semester, the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences will launch a new, unique Master’s programme in Health Psychology in Western Hungary. Over four semesters, students will gain valuable clinical and health-focussed skills, available in Hungarian in a correspondence format. The Faculty also plans to welcome international applicants, offering an English-taught, full-time version of the programme from September next year, enabling students to obtain their qualifications through a comprehensive curriculum tailored to healthcare practice.

"The coronavirus epidemic a few years ago has shown how difficult it is for society to adapt mentally to unforeseen and unexpected health situations, even for doctors and health professionals who often experience health emergencies. By launching the programme, we aim to provide the western region of the country with professionals who are capable of designing and implementing health promotion and health protection projects in the fields of health, education and work," said Dr Angéla Somogyi, Dean of the Faculty. She added that, after completing the degree, students will be able to help prevent, deal with and resolve stress, mental crisis or burnout caused by life situations due to illness, either individually or in groups.

The supervisor of the Master's programme in Health Psychology, Dr Attila Szabó and the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences of Széchenyi István University, Dr Angéla Somogyi (Photo: András Adorján)

Dr Angéla Somogyi explained that there is a substantial professional and societal demand for health psychologists across healthcare, education, workplace, and sports sectors. “This master’s programme falls under medical and health sciences, giving greater emphasis to clinical knowledge. Uniquely, it also covers sports psychology, with several sports psychologists among the teaching staff.” she detailed. The Dean highlighted collaborative partners, including the Hungarian Telephone Crisis Helpline, Petz Aladár University Teaching Hospital in Győr-Moson-Sopron County, and educational and child protection services.

Dr Attila Szabó, one of Hungary’s most renowned researchers in the field and a pioneer in online research, will supervise the Health Psychology Master’s programme starting in February. Ranked 15th in psychology in Hungary on Research.com’s 2024 list of top scientists, Dr Szabó, a Doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, accepted the role with enthusiasm. “I found this opportunity, which I view as a great challenge, through the lecturers of Széchenyi István University. I believe that everything is in place for the programme to be successful and popular both in Hungary and internationally. Our aim is to combine practice-oriented education with scientific research to prepare students for all areas of the profession,” he emphasized. A key aim is enhancing publication activities, with a strong focus on supporting students.